Taking care of your teeth is really important, but it can cost a lot of money. That’s where dental insurance comes in. It helps you pay for your dental check-ups and any big treatments you might need, like getting implants or dentures.
The cost of dental insurance plans can change depending on where you live. That’s because different places have different healthcare costs and insurance prices. So, where you live can affect how much you pay for your dental insurance.
It’s important to find the best dental insurance for you in your area. That way, you can keep your teeth healthy without worrying too much about how much it costs.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
- You pay a monthly fee to keep your coverage active.
- For some treatments, you might have to wait a bit. But for basics like cleanings, you’re good to go right away.
- You’ll choose a dentist from a list provided by your insurance company.
- Before your plan helps with costs, you might need to pay a bit upfront.
- Most plans have a yearly limit on what they cover.
- Sometimes, you’ll have to pitch in with a small payment when you visit the dentist.
- The best part? Lots of preventive care, like check-ups and cleanings, is often fully covered.
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
Different dental insurance plans offer different things. Some cover just basic check-ups, while others help with bigger things like implants or dentures.
On average, a dental insurance plan with lots of coverage costs about $47 a month. But if you’re just looking for preventive care, you might pay around $26 a month, as reported by Forbes Advisor. [1]
The price you pay depends on a few things. How much coverage you get, the most money the plan will pay each year, and what you have to pay out of your own pocket, like deductibles or coinsurance.
Understanding these details can help you pick the best dental insurance for you. It’s about finding the right balance between what you need and what you can afford.
| Insurance company | Top Plan | Monthly cost example |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | Preventive Value | $21.99 |
| Spirit Dental | Core Network | $43.37 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Primary Plus Dental | $43.59 |
| Cigna | Cigna Dental 1500 | $49.00 |
| Ameritas | PrimeStar Access | $49.98 |
| Guardian Direct | Diamond | $58.40 |
| Delta Dental | Delta Dental PPO Individual – Premium Plan | $64.92 |
| Denali Dental | Ridge Plan 750/1500/2000/2500 | $68.55 |
| Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Platinum | $79.49 |
Dental Insurance Costs Breakdown
Let’s break down what you might pay with dental insurance. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Premiums
This is what you pay regularly to keep your dental insurance going. When looking for the best dental insurance, it’s about finding a plan that fits your budget and needs.
2. Deductibles
This is the amount you pay before your dental insurance starts to help. Every plan is different. Some don’t have a deductible for certain care, while others might have a yearly or lifetime one. Knowing your deductible helps you plan your budget.
| Insurance company | Top Plan | Annual deductible (unless noted as lifetime) |
|---|---|---|
| Ameritas | PrimeStar Access | $50 |
| Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Platinum | $50 per person, up to $150 per family |
| Cigna | Cigna Dental 1500 | $50 individual, $150 family |
| Denali Dental | Ridge Plan 750/1500/2000/2500 | Lifetime $100 in-network deductible or lifetime $200 out-of-network deductible |
| Guardian Direct | Diamond | In-network: $0 Out-of-network: $50All Other Dental Services: $50 Teeth Whitening: $50 |
| Humana | Preventive Value | Lifetime: $50 individual, $150 family |
| Spirit Dental | Core Network | $100 lifetime deductible |
| UnitedHealthcare | Primary Plus Dental | $50 for basic services |
3. Coinsurance
This is the share of costs you split with your dental insurance after you’ve met your deductible. Different plans have different rates for basic and major services. Things like check-ups usually don’t cost you extra, but for other treatments, you might have to pay a percentage.
| Insurance company | Top Plan | Coinsurance for preventive care | Coinsurance for basic care | Coinsurance for major care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ameritas | PrimeStar Access | Plan pays In-network Day 1 100% Out-of-network 80% After year 1 100% Out-of-network 80% | Plan pays In-network Day 1 65% Out-of-network: 45% After year 1 80% Out-of-network: 60% | Plan pays In-network Day 1 20% Out-of-network: 10% After year 1 50% Out-of-network: 30% |
| Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Platinum | 100% | In-network: 20% Out-of-network: 20% | In-network: 50% Out-of-network:50% |
| Cigna | Cigna Dental 1500 | 100% | 80% | 50% |
| Denali Dental | Ridge Plan 750/1500/2000/2500 | 100% for 2 exams per calendar year 4 cleanings per calendar year | Year 1: 10% Year 2: 25% Year 3: 40% Year 5: 50% | Year 1: 10% Year 2: 25% Year 3: 40% Year 5: 50% |
| Guardian Direct | Diamond | 100% | 80% | 50% |
| Spirit Dental | Core Network | 100% for 2 exams per year 3 cleanings per year | Year 1: 50% Year 2: 65% Year 3: 80% | Year 1; 25% After Year 1: 50% |
| Delta Dental | Delta Dental PPO Individual – Premium Plan | 100% | 80% | 50% |
| Humana | Preventive Value | 100% | 50% | Not covered |
| UnitedHealthcare | Primary Plus Dental | 100% | Day 1 1: 50% After Year 1: 65% After Year 2: 80% | Not covered |
4. Copayment
This is a set amount you pay when you get dental services. It’s usually not much, maybe $20 or $30. Preventive care often doesn’t need a copayment, which helps you keep up with regular check-ups.
5. Annual Maximum
Most dental insurance plans have a cap on what they’ll pay each year or over your lifetime. This limit can vary between plans, so know yours to understand what’s covered.
| Insurance company | Top Plan | Annual maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Ameritas | PrimeStar Access | Day 1: $1,000 After Year 1: $2,000 Covers a maximum amount per person per benefit period for basic and major services combined. |
| Denali Dental | Ridge Plan 750/1500/2000/2500 | Year 1: $750 Year 2: $1,500 Year 3: $2,000 Year 4: $2,500 |
| Guardian Direct | Diamond | $1,500 Dental Implants: Lifetime max $1,000 Orthodontia: Yearly max $500 Lifetime max $1,000 Teeth whitening: yearly max $500 |
| Anthem | Essential Choice PPO Platinum | $2,000 with annual maximum carryover |
| Cigna | Cigna Dental 1500 | $1,500 |
| Delta Dental | Delta Dental PPO Individual – Premium Plan | $2,000 |
| Humana | Preventive Value | Unlimited |
| Spirit Dental | Core Network | $1,200 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Primary Plus Dental | $1,000 |
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
It’s important to read the fine print of your insurance plan to know exactly what’s covered. Understanding your coverage helps you avoid surprises and make the most of your benefits.
1. Routine and Preventive Services
Your dental insurance usually covers these completely. That means your regular cleanings and check-ups every six months are free!
You also get annual X-rays without any extra cost. These X-rays help catch any problems early.
2. Basic Services
Fillings and simple extractions are included here. While the coverage may vary, most plans cover about 80% of the costs. That’s a big help!
3. Major Services
Need a root canal, bridge, crown, denture, or implant? Don’t worry, your dental insurance has you covered for these too. The coverage is usually about 50%.
What Doesn’t Dental Insurance Cover?
Dental insurance doesn’t always cover everything you might need. Things like cosmetic dentistry, such as bonding and certain veneer placements, might not be included. Also, treatments like teeth whitening and braces might not be part of your plan.
It’s important to check your insurance policy to see what’s covered and what’s not. Even if they’re covered, there might be limits, like only paying for part of the cost. Some plans might have rules about when you can get certain treatments.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
Dental insurance plans vary in how they work and what they cover. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand your options.
1. Dental Preferred Provider Organizations (DPPO)
With DPPOs, you choose from a list of dentists who agree to charge set prices. You can go to a dentist outside the list, but it might cost more. While DPPOs usually cost a bit more upfront, they give you more freedom to pick your dentist.
2. Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO)
DHMOs offer affordable coverage with a group of dentists. Some things are fully covered, while others need a small payment from you. To get coverage, you usually have to stick with a dentist in the DHMO’s group.
3. Fee-for-Service Plans
These plans let you go to any dentist you want, no strings attached. You pay a part of the cost for each service, and the insurance covers the rest. Unlike other plans, they don’t negotiate lower prices with dentists.
4. Discount or Dental Savings Plans
These aren’t exactly insurance, but they can still save you money. They give you discounts at certain dentists. You pay for your treatment at these discounted rates, which can be a good option if you don’t have full insurance.
Average Costs Of Dental Services Without Insurance
Let’s break down the costs of dental services without insurance to help you decide if it’s worth it for you.
1. Preventive Services
These are basic treatments to keep your teeth healthy. A regular cleaning and polish can cost $75 to $200. If your dentist recommends panoramic dental X-rays for a full view of your teeth, expect to pay $100 to $200.
2. Basic Services
If you need a filling for a cavity, it could cost $50 to $250. The price depends on the size of the cavity and the material used. Tooth extractions range from $75 to $800, depending on the tooth’s location and complexity.
3. Major Services
For more serious issues, like infected teeth, a root canal could cost $500 to $1,500. Crowns, used to restore damaged teeth, typically range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the material. And if you need dentures, they can cost anywhere from $600 to $8,000 for a full set.
Keep in mind there may be additional expenses, like crowns, abutments, or pre- and post-op care. Without insurance, dental costs can add up fast. So, is dental insurance worth it for you? It depends on your budget and how much coverage you want.
In the end, it’s a personal decision. Consider your dental needs and budget carefully to make the right choice for you.
